Kastelli Airport to Replace Crete's Overcrowded Heraklion Hub

Monday, 18 May 2026/Source: Google News/1 min read

Crete is preparing to open a major new international airport near Kastelli, located in the Heraklion regional unit in the north-central part of the island. The new facility is designed to replace the existing Heraklion Nikos Kazantzakis Airport, which has long operated beyond its comfortable capacity during peak summer months. Kastelli Airport is planned to handle up to 18 million passengers per year, significantly reducing congestion and improving the arrival experience. The opening is currently anticipated around 2028, though timelines remain subject to change. For tourists, the new airport will mean faster connections, modern terminal facilities, and better ground transport links to key destinations across Crete including Heraklion, Agios Nikolaos, and the eastern coast. Visitors planning trips beyond 2028 should monitor updates, as the new location may affect transfer times compared to the current airport.